What Are Seasonal Allergies?Seasonal allergies are the symptoms associated with allergens entering the body and triggering an abnormal overreaction in the immune system. Allergens, which do not normally reside in the body, cause immune responses when you consume them in seasonal food or beverages, breathe them in air that has been affected, or physically touch a substance that has been introduced to your environment by changing seasons. People with seasonal allergies suffer from combinations of itchy nose, eyes, throat and skin, hives, running nose and watery eyes, congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, irritability and fatigue. Symptoms can vary from subtle discomfort to severe and possibly life threatening conditions.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
The months from August to November, particularly mid-September, are typically the worst months for sufferers in the United States, due to a national Ragweed bloom and pollination. In addition to Ragweed, there are a variety of molds and plant pollens that are stirred up by changing environmental conditions and cause seasonal allergies throughout the year. Environmental factors such as whether it’s warm or cool outside, the strength of the wind, the time of day or night, how long it’s been since the last rainfall and how humid it is outside all influence the severity of seasonal allergies and should be taken into consideration.
What are Natural Cures for Seasonal Allergies?
Allergy-Proofing
This is regarded as the easiest way to ease seasonal allergy symptoms. Close your windows when possible and try to maintain a cool and dry environment. If pollen and mold counts are high then try to stay indoors. Leave your shoes outside, shower and change your clothes when returning home. Remember to clean and vacuum the inside of your home too and invest in allergen-proof bed protectors. Keep your cars air filters clean, too.
Saline Rinse
Use saline rinses such as a Neti Pot to flush allergens and pollen from your nose and sinuses. Neti Pots work better than common flushing devices because they are precise and gentle devices that are usually ceramic instead of plastic, which can introduce other problems to the body. Never use tap water and table salt to create a saline rinse. Instead use sterile or distilled water and preservative free, iodine free salt.
Dietary Supplements
Consuming local honey is similar to getting an allergy shot, as it helps the body adapt to the local environment and seasonal allergens that are present. Quercetin is naturally occurring in citrus and broccoli and when taken in higher doses as a supplement, about 4-6 weeks prior to allergy season, it can relieve symptoms by controlling histamine levels. Nettle Leaf is another supplement that acts as a natural antihistamine. Fish oil supplements reduce leukotrienes, which cause allergic reactions. Probiotics should also be taken to strengthen the immune system as a whole.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is the foundation of maintaining a healthy body and immune system. Drink plenty of water every day and avoid acidifying beverages when possible. Avoid simple carbohydrates and dairy products because these cause mucous buildups throughout the body and will compound allergy symptoms. Focus on a low-fat, high complex-carbohydrate diet with dark leafy green, deep yellow, orange and reddish vegetables, with plenty of blood cleansing foods. See a nutritionist if you don’t know where to begin.
– Corey Mills, Contributing NAC writer
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